Basic Information about using your

school-issued computer


Basic Care Information:

  • Do use the carry case provided with your laptop.
    • Shock-absorbing sleeve (extra padding)
      • Make sure paper clips, coins, etc. do not go in the sleeve (they could become lodged in the CD drive)
    • Zip closure (keep your laptop inside!)
    • Water-resistant (not waterproof!)
  • Use computer wipes to clean keyboard, screen, and case
    • NEVER SPRAY cleaners ON THE SCREEN!
  • Do not pick up your open laptop by the screen
  • Make sure your laptop is asleep before you pick it up to move it
    • don't move a running computer!
  • Avoid food/beverages near your laptop
  • Use care with the keyboard
  • Close the laptop when not in use
  • Be aware of your surroundings; don't leave your laptop in a place where it may fall or be knocked off
  • Avoid dusty areas

Additional Care Instructions: smile!


Computer_Use_Warnings.gif


Battery Care: (seriously, now!)

  • Plug in your laptop to charge; allow it to fully charge before unplugging
  • Allow your laptop battery to fully discharge before recharging; don't leave it plugged in all of the time
  • Do not attempt to extend the life of your battery by dropping it, freezing it, or baking it

Common Applications

Email:

  • Your school email address will be your last name, dot, first initial @ generalmclane.org (for example, Ann Smith would be Smith.a@generalmclane.org)
  • You can get your email by using the Mail app (icon that looks like a blue postage stamp) or online by going to https://mail.generalmclane.org
    • log in with your lastname.first initial (smith.a)
    • password

Email tips:
  • Regularly read your email. Choose a time (or two) each day that you can devote to reading your mail.
  • Regularly delete unneeded messages. Select the message to delete; click Delete. Then, empty your deleted messages folder.
  • Make and use folders to organize messages you want to keep. That way, your Inbox stays uncluttered and you aren't tempted to keep messages there; make a habit to move a message to a folder or delete it.
  • Remember that your General McLane account is not private. Do not use it for purposes other than education (ie. running your own business, or intimately personal communication)

Need more help?



Internet Browsing

  • Safari--Mac's browser
    • use tabs to open several websites
  • Firefox--Mozilla.com
    • can download free
    • can view videos easier
    • not available for student use


Bluetooth File Transfer

  • Use Bluetooth to send or receive files
  • Range is about 30 feet
  • Click on Bluetooth Symbol at top of screen for Bluetooth menu
  • Shut Bluetooth off to conserve battery power